🌱 Sex Trafficking Sting: 8 Kids Rescued + High-Income Renters Doubled

Hello, everyone! I'm back in your inbox this morning with the latest copy of your Patch newsletter. Before you venture out, sip that coffee/tea, crunch that doughnut, and read on to find out what's happening in town these days:

• Eight kids were rescued in a sex-trafficking sting here in San Diego.
• Why are so many high-income renters moving here?
• Cross-border water contamination resulting from a broken pipe.

But first, today's weather:

Variably cloudy with showers.🌧️ High: 54, Low: 48.

Big love to our local sponsor. We couldn’t keep the community informed without you!

San Diego Homeowners — Ready to save money and enjoy cleaner, renewable energy? The folks at Sunrun, the largest residential solar company in the U.S., can help you assess the impact of solar on your energy bills. If your average electric bill is over $150, you’re eligible to start saving. Solar credits will dramatically decrease in April, so reach out to Steven Chong at Sunrun today to learn how much you can save.

Want to see your business featured in this spot? Click here to get started.

Here are four of the top stories today in San Diego:

1. Undercover officers with Operation Better Pathways arrested 48 sex traffickers through a month-long anti-human-trafficking sting in San Diego County. Traffickers will be referred for possible state and/or federal criminal prosecution. Forty-one victims, including eight children, were offered support services. Human trafficking is most prevalent in hospitality, domestic, garment, residential care and construction industries. (Patch)
2. Wonder why so many luxury apartments are coming on the market? Here in San Diego, renters who earn $150,000 or more comprise 12.4 percent of renters — double the rate recorded in 2018. With rising home and interest costs, many choose to rent rather than own. Luxury rentals, with amenities and services, are often more attractive to these newcomers. San Diego ranks No. 7 on a list of top 20 high-income-renter areas. (Times of San Diego)
3. Inflation, bad driving behavior, more accidents and more fatalities are causing auto insurance rates to rise. Drivers in San Diego County will pay an annual average of $2,291 for coverage. What can a family do to keep costs down? Shop around for coverage, bundle coverage whenever possible, raise your deductibles, calculate your mileage — these things can help you lower costs. If you’re planning to buy a new or used car, be sure to check out IIHS safety ratings. Cars with higher ratings can bring the cost of insurance down. (NBC San Diego)
4. You can enjoy 160+ films from around the world, along with food, beer and tequila, as well as opening- and closing-night parties. This and more will be available for you to enjoy at the San Diego Latino Film Festival, taking place March 9-19 at the AMC Mission Valley Cinemas and Digital Gym Cinema downtown. (CBS News 8)

Today in San Diego:

• Preschool Storytime — Tierrasanta Branch Library. (9:30 a.m.)
• AARP Tax Preparation — College Rolando Branch Library. (9:30 a.m.)
• Fun & Games for Seniors — Scripps Miramar Ranch Library Center. (10 a.m.)
• How to Work a Computer — Malcolm X Library and Performing Arts Center. (10 a.m.)
• Mandarin Chinese Story Time — Mira Mesa Branch Library. (10:30 a.m.)
• Baby Sign Storytime! — San Ysidro Branch Library. (Noon)

From my notebook:

• Visit Little Italy: "Nothing better than dining in Little Italy then walking it off with Piazza views. 🥰 📷 IG: danabohince" (Visit San Diego via Facebook)
• 2023 wage and labor laws: "Calling all business owners and employers. The City and @SanDiegoCounty are teaming up on a webinar that will share new 2023 wage and labor laws and resources for businesses operating in the San Diego region. It's happening March 1, register here: https://bit.ly/3KhPOAF." (City of San Diego via Facebook)
• Families for safe streets: "🚲 FRESH OFF THE PRESS 📝 Read the new opinion piece written by Kristy Leon, who is a member of Families for Safe Streets San Diego, a group of individuals who advocate for lost loved ones to traffic crashes. You can find the full article on The San Diego Union Tribune or follow the link in our bio! LINK: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/.../opinion-my..." (San Diego County Bicycle Coalition via Facebook)
• Presidential memorabilia: "Did you know? The nation's largest school-based Presidential Museum is right here in San Diego! The Museum of American Presidency at Clairemont High School boasts more than 40,000 pieces of presidential memorabilia, featuring unique artifacts from all 46 U.S. presidents." (San Diego Unified School District via Facebook)
• Tiny fur babies: "You can bring warmth and comfort to our most vulnerable wild babies, like this orphaned fox squirrel, by choosing a special gift at sdhumane.org/babyshower today! This tiny baby is resting peacefully on a stuffed sleeping buddy and cozy blanket, both donated during our virtual Wildlife Baby Shower." (San Diego Humane Society via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Au Pair Childcare USA — (Visit website)
• Warm Embrace (Gift Boxes, Shipping Nationwide!) — (Visit Website)
• Cable Pipe & Leak Detection — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Featured events:

• One Night on The Town - The Marcus Syndicate Dance Band Live. (Mar. 4)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday! I'll see you around San Diego.

— Bettyann Pernice

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming San Diego Patch newsletter? Contact me at sandiego@patch.com